The commission, which is based in Gov. Rick Perry's office, said in a letter last week that it was denying funding based on a state law provision that allows for denial of incentives if the film "portrays Texas or Texans in a negative fashion."

Conservatives blasted the film, which stars Robert De Niro, contending it endorses Mexican-immigrant revenge killings and would spark racial violence, even though the story of a Mexican assassin out for revenge was widely considered to be satire. The film was released in September.

The Texas law allowing for film incentives was passed to encourage moviemakers to film in the state. Perry signed the legislation last year at Rodriguez's studios with the filmmaker by his side, Austin360 reported: